I’m a deer hunter and a big fan of horror movies and the two come together with a made-in-Michigan film called Deer Camp ’86. See the trailer here.
Deer Hunting in Michigan
For hundreds of years, deer hunting has been a part of the Michigan culture. For some Michiganders, deer camp is a tradition and sometimes a right of passage for hunters trying to get that first buck.
Michigan native actor/director Jeff Daniels made a comedy about a Michigan deer camp in the Upper Peninsula called Escanaba in Da Moonlight. The movie is a funny spin on what goes on at some deer camps and if you are a Michigan hunter you will laugh.
Another deer camp movie has been made in Michigan by a local director and writer who takes another spin on hunting in the state that takes a much darker turn.
‘Deer Camp ’86’
The movie Deer Camp ’86 premiered on May 22, 2024, and before its premiere has already received awards from horror film festivals. The movie is set to hit select theaters nationwide on May 31.
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The movie is based on six friends from Detroit who take a trip up north for the annual tradition of deer hunting. Instead of being the hunters, the six men become the hunted.
Watching the trailer for Deer Camp ’86 you can see why the film is already winning awards. The quality of this Michigan-made production that employed several Michiganders is top-notch.
The six Detroiters stop at the bar on the way to the cabin where later the bartender winds up dead. The men learn from police that women come up missing each hunting season and they may be suspects.
The hunters find out that when they get in the woods they are not the only ones there. Something more sinister begins stalking and hunting them.
From the looks of the trailer above, I have to see Deer Camp ’86 when it comes out in theaters. If it is good I will get a copy for my home horror collection if the movie makes it to Blu-Ray.
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